HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS 2015: Beauty Gifts for Her

If you're like me, I am a fan of make-up.  Most of my color palette leans towards natural looking for everyday and a pop of color here and there on the lips; especially during the winter season.

Department stores are making gift giving very convenient with the gift sets they've put together.  Take a look at some of my favorites.

1.  Laura Mercier 'Kiss of Colour' Lip Glace Collection (Limited Edition, Nordstrom)

2.  Bobbi Brown 'Greystone' Eye Palette (Limited Edition, Nordstrom)

3.  Dior Couture Smoky Palette, Holiday Couture Collection (Bloomingdales)

4.  Urban Decay - Naked 3 (Sephora)

5.  Yves Saint Laurent Eye Duo (Limited Edition, Nordstrom)

6.  Deborah Lippmann Best of Both Worlds Jazz Standard Duet (Bloomingdales)

7.  Lashtash (Sephora Favorites)

8.  Olivia Palmero x Ciate London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette (Sephora)

9.  Whole Lotta Chubby - Clinique (Sephora)

Happy shopping!

xo,

TRENDING ON THE K-BEAUTY SCENE: Skincare

When it comes to beauty and skincare, I'm all about maintaining the best for my skin.  I'm fortunate enough to have great skin (good genes).  I keep a pretty disciplined routine of daily/nightly cleansing and weekly exfoliating.  I apply my daily and nightly moisturizers and drink plenty of water.  I also like to treat myself to facials; usually every season.

Lately, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about Korea being the new beauty capital of the world.  It's not uncommon for Korean women to see their facialists multiple times a week!  I could tell you, the luxury of seeing a facialist a few times a week in the United States, does not come cheap!  Thankfully, I found a couple of stores that now carry Korean beauty products for us to try at home..

At Sephora, you'll find the best selling cult fave of Belif's True Cream Moisturing Bomb.

Belif - The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

I picked up some Korean face masks to try at home from my nearby Urban Outfitters store.

This one helps with your pores.

Caolion Pore Care Hydrating Mask

This one contains starfish extracts and helps reduce dullness and wrinkles for the eyes, lips and forehead to plump up your skin with rich nutrition and moisture.

Mizo Returning Starfish Bio Mask

Tony Moly is a popular Korean brand.  This seaweed mask is said to purify the skin.

Tony Moly I'm Real Mask Sheet (Seaweed)

A site to definitely check out is Glow Recipe (www.glowrecipe.com).  This Korean brand site has created a destination for people around the world to purchase natural, harsh-free beauty products (yay!).  I already have a wish list of products I would love to try.

Cleansers:

This sulfate-free botanical foam cleanser is said to remove impurities and deep clean skin, gently.

Whamisa Organic Flowers Creamy Foam Cleanser

This cleansing stick made of rose petals is said to purify the skin without dryness.

Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick by SUM:37

Moisturizers/Creams:

Something I must try is this 3-in-1 moisturizer (toner, serum, moisturizer):

Shara Shara Honey Bomb All-in-One Ampoule

This night time sleep cream (and mask) must be popular and worth getting because it's currently sold out!  It's said to help firm while deeply infusing hydration and nutrients to the skin.

Goodall Anti-Wrinkle Want Night Sleep Cream Pack

FACE OILS:

Face Oils are gaining recognition and replacing face creams.  This ultra light version is said to  hydrate and nourish deep into the skin.

Blossom Jeju Camellia Seed 100% Oil

Masks:

Can you say liquid mask?  This mask by Blithe works in just 15 seconds.  What a time saver!

Blithe Patting Splash Mask  - Yellow Citrus & Honey

I'll do a follow up post with those products I've tested.  Can you recommend any other Korean beauty products?

These would make nice gifts for the holidays. Happy shopping!

xo,

BEAUTY MAKEUP FALL COLLECTIONS

The Fall season is a great excuse to purchase new makeup.  The new looks this season are richer lip colors in plums, browns and deep reds.  Or, play up the eyes and keep the lips neutral.  I'm slowly trying to incorporate deeper colors in my collection.  My look is generally very natural looking; especially during the work week. But I'm open to changing it up a bit.  I'm also considering more lipsticks as opposed to lip glosses for fall.  If I'm going to wear a deeper, richer color on my lips, gloss may be extreme (for me).  And, this is a big step because I DO NOT wear lipstick; only lip gloss. 

Bloomingdales is having their beauty event this week and that means bonus time!  Here are some looks I pulled from Bloomingdales (online) from different designers.

I'll be making my way to Bloomies this afternoon to get my makeup done by one of the Bobbi Brown makeup artists. I have a gala event this evening with no time to spend on getting my hair and makeup done.  I'll literally have to throw my dress on and go! 

 

Bobbi Brown (my go to makeup line) in Smokey Nudes Collection

 

M.A.C Minerlize Lash and Eye Shadow

Chanel Fall Color Collection. 
 The rouge coco shine lipstick in Viva is a pretty pink color

Laura Mercier Sensual Reflections Collection

Dior Fall Look

Clarins Ladylike Collection. 
This woman is stunning and her makeup is flawless!

Trish McEvoy Radiance Collection.
This look is great for every day; very natural. Wish I had eyebrows like that!

Here's another look from Trish McEvoy from their Glamorous Collection

Tom Ford Fall Color Collection, Sensuous Color
I've been reading great reviews on Tom Ford's makeup line.  Need to try it!

 

xo,

SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR FACE AND BODY

 

Over the years, I've tested and tried many products.  And, I'm still open to trying new ones.  I love to learn about new products from reading online, in magazines or recommendations from friends.  I thought I would share my favorite picks with you.

 

I receive many compliments about how great my skin looks.  I wish I could say, it was this product or that product.  In truth, I'm honestly blessed with good genes.  Don't get me wrong, the products I use, do help but there is no miracle product.  

 

I follow a pretty simple skincare routine and the above products are ones I can't live without; no matter how many times I've tried something new.  I have combination skin (my t-zone is a little oily).  Certain products I'm sensitive to (anything fruity or perfumed), so I stay away from them. 

 

For example, a friend of mine introduced me to Neutrogena foaming cleanser a couple of years ago.  What I love about this product is the fact that it's a cleanser and makeup remover in one.  It really works and I love the price point!  Another similar product, at a medium price point, is Shisedo's Purifying Cleansing Foam (around $30) or, a higher end, is La Mer's Cleansing Foam ($75).  Both of these products are amazing and leave your skin super clean and soft.  If I can afford to treat myself to either of these cleansers I do, but Neutrogena is my every day product. 

 

For my face creams, I use La Mer, Shisedo or Bobbi Brown.  I have been using La Mer's moisturizing cream for over ten years. While it's expensive, a little does go a long way.  They have a lighter version of their original cream and I use that in warmer weather.  Shisedo is another company that has great products.  I love their Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion.  I use this product all the time and by itself in the summer time (without additional moisturizer).  Bobbi Brown also carries a skin care line and I love anything Bobbi.  Their moisturizing creams are fabulous!

 

I'm still searching for the perfect eye cream.  I've tried and few but haven't found the one!

 

When I need to exfoliate my face, I sometimes use baking soda.  I add some water and make a paste and apply it to my skin.  I gently massage my face and rinse. 

A new product I purchased is from a woman (Cynthia Blauch, RN) in NJ who created her own brand called Beaneath (www.beaneathitall.com).  It's an espresso honey mask with avocado.  The espresso grounds works as an exfoliator.  With only three ingredients, this product does the job!  It's a little messy but leaves your skin soft and glowy.  I put it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse off in the shower.  It also tightens, for those who have problems with large pores. 

 

 

 

 

For toner, I use good old fashioned, witch hazel.  Simple as that . . . and works great!  I've been using it for years and don't feel the need to spend extra money on other toners. 

Another staple is Dove Body Wash.  I absolutely love their beauty bars and body wash.  I've tried similar products but this is one that can't be beat.  I love the Deep Moisture or the Winter Care. 

 

Let's talk about The Body Shop's body butter.  I have been using this product for years and can't get enough of my body butter.  The only one I use is the shea butter.  I have jars of this at home and am so happy they now make jumbo sized ones!  Their almond body butter is a second one I like. 

 

Another great product I want to mention from the Body Shop is the hemp body mitt.  I use this mitt in the shower and scrub my body down (lol).  It's great to use right before shaving.  For an exfoliating scrub, I usually purchase ones from Marshalls or HomeGoods (lavender, olive oil or argon are great ones). 

 

Speaking of shaving, I use Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel.  I also use a product from New York Shaving Company.  Another friend of my introduced me to this company (she knows the owners).  What a great shop!  The minute you walk in, it smells of an old time barber shop, of freshly shaven men. I'm so jealous seeing men get their faces shaved by a professional.  I wonder if they would shave my legs (LOL).   Their Sandalwood Shaving Cream is so amazing and smells wonderful.  I've also tried their Lavender. It's so creamy . . . to die for!  I have their Safety Razor, which I purchased last year and still scared to use it every time I shave.  It takes patience and practice. 

 

Aveda is another company I've used for years.   Mostly for their shampoos and conditioners (another post topic).  I've tried some of their face and body products.  Their hand and foot relief work wonders and it smells so wonderful and relaxing.

 

And, lastly, for lip moisture, I'm hooked on Rosebud Salve.  I keep this on my desk at work and apply it all day.  I also make it a point to apply lip moisturizer to my lips before I go to bed.  A little tip I do when my lips get chapped (especially with this cold weather) is to take some good old fashioned Vaseline and a baby toothbrush.  I gently scrub my lips and rinse off.  Then apply my Rosebud.  It has a nice, soft smell.  Carmex is another product the hubby introduced me to (which he uses all the time). 

 

If your searching for new products, I hope I've inspired you to try some of my favorites.

 

xo 

 

 

BOBBI BROWN HOLIDAY 2013

Image via Google

It's that time of year where Bobbi Brown offers some of her holiday collections (limited time only). They make fabulous gifts for you or your friends/family.

I'm a big fan of Bobbi Brown makeup. I love the "natural" make-up look. In my makeup drawer, you will find that most of my items are Bobbi Brown products. I especially LOVE her lip glosses. I must own 10-15 lip glosses from her collection. Okay now that I've said that I had to pull out all of my lip glosses and ramble the list off to you. Here I go . . .

(1) Moonlight Pearl, (2) Bellini, (3) Plum Buff, (4) Pink Blossom, (5) Rosy 22, (6) Sailor 1, (7) Popsicle 3, (8) Pink Lily 53, (9) Tangerine, (10) Tea Berry, (11) Naked Plum, (12) Petal, and (13) Pretty in Pink.

I'll share with you some of my favorites for everyday and the new items for the holidays.

Let's start with my favorites. . . lip glosses

I tend to lean toward the neutral soft colors. I don't wear lip liner or lipstick so their glosses work for me by themselves. Right now I'm switching between Tea Berry 55 (a deep plum); Naked Plum 7 (high shimmer); Petal; Rosy 22 and Pretty in Pink 5. I always get compliments from friends who say they always love my lip glosses.

I love Bobbi's blush in "Tawny" and "Nectar".

For foundation, I wear the Skin Foundation with SPF 15 in Honey. I mix it with my moisturizer for a more natural look.

I can't live without the Corrector (in Biscuit) and Concealer (Honey).

And lastly, the Rich Caviar Eye Palette. This was a holiday special last year and I made sure to stock up because I fell in love with it so much.

Here's what's new:

Twilight Pink Lip & Eye Palette. Features ten eye shadows in mix-and-match textures to create matte, shimmering, and light-catching looks. Plus four shades of creamy lip color to compliment every skin tone. This is an $80 value.

Nude Glow Shimmer Brick. A quad of pearlescent shimmer for a lit-from-within glow. A $45 value.

Sequin Shimmer Brick Eye Palette. A soft wash of pearlescent color for eyes. $48.50

Lip Gloss Trio. This glossy trio features an ultra-wearable range of textures and shades for all skin tones. $42.00 These will be on my "need to try" list. The colors are: Bronzed Heather (a nude pink with golden flecks); Dusty Rose (a pink mauve); and Pink Sugar (a silvery pink).

Everyday Pretty Lip & Eye Palette. This ultra-flattering set features everything you need for daytime eyes and lip looks. $30.00

Smokey Cool Eye Palette. This carefully edited mix of six eye shadows is perfect for those who prefer their smokey eye look on the cool side. $48.50

Smokey Warm Eye Palette. Perfect for both hazel and brown eyes - or any woman who prefers her smokey eye look on the warmer side. $48.50. This would be a yes for me.

Those are just some of the holiday picks. You can check out her website here or any of the major department store websites to view her collection.

What are some of your favorite Bobbi Brown products?

Images via Bobbi Brown website


xo